Fans of the best upcoming acts from across the UK took over Southsea’s Wedgewood Rooms as Night Currents Festival returned for its third year last weekend.
Not long after the doors opened on Saturday afternoon, live music fans were watching some of the top rising names in the industry.
Art-punk group Shtëpi brought their unpredictable energy to the stage ahead of saxophone-led London lot Y, who had fans crammed into every corner at the Edge of the Wedge.
Home Counties were a favourite for many and as they performed on the main stage, raucous trio Alien Chicks prepared for their own set.
Rising jank-punk stars The Pill were the only act to cross the Solent and journey from the Isle of Wight for the festival, though their fast-paced, interactive set was a highlight of the day.
The duo, who have supported Green Day and recently released their debut EP, played both released and unreleased material, though nothing that would be unusual to fans who had already seen the pair live.
One of the most anticipated acts at Night Currents this year was indie-pop icon in the making, Chloe Slater.
Fresh from supporting Alessi Rose, Chloe’s half an hour set saw her play her latest single Harriet, as well as fan favourites Price on Fun and Fig Tree.
With supporters taking over the barricade from the moment the doors opened, Chloe even brought on super-fan and music journalist Tegan to join in for a song.
As shoegazers Honeyglaze took to the main stage, last minute addition Paige Kennedy prepared for their set.
Replacing Picture Parlour – who had to drop out due to illness – it wasn’t just Paige’s synths and high energy music that kept the crowd alive.
Their interaction with the audience and single-promotion that involved an alter ego as a police officer could have made the event a comedy show as much as music one.
Rounding off the evening, as well as the festival as a whole for 2025, Scottish group Swim School brought their headlining set to Portsmouth.
Night Currents was headlined last year by Isle of Wight indie-rock band Coach Party.
Chatting to Erazer during this year’s festival, co-organiser Chloe Robbins told us she was very happy with how the day had gone.
“I think it’s our best year yet,” she said.
“We’re really happy with the turn out and everyone we’ve spoken to has just been overwhelmed with how brilliant all of the bands are.”
Plans are already underway for Night Currents 2026, and it’s fair to say we cannot wait.
